The structure of US agricultural labor relations changed dramatically over the past fifty years as rural communities shrank and suburban and urban populations grew. Where family labor once dominated small and mid-scale agricultural production, now hired labor is prominent in mid-scale operations producing food for wholesale markets, as has long been the case for large-scale operations. Larger small-scale farms are also increasing their hired labor. As a result, employing hired labor under “decent conditions of work” has become a limiting factor for mid-scale agriculture.

As markets expand for local and regional food, there is an opportunity to proactively address labor issues on mid-scale farms. A leading Wisconsin farmer says, “We are noticing that a barrier to scaling up local food production is labor—there simply isn’t enough money in food production to make it worthwhile to hire people at a decent wage or to pay ourselves.”

So, one of the challenges for values-based food supply chains is to determine what constitutes “decent work” on mid-size farms, and determine what is necessary to implement it.

To help farmers, domestic fair traders and other supporting mid-scale agriculture, this workshop on promoting decent work in agriculture aims to share international efforts. Peter Hurst, consultant to ILO and FAO on decent work in agriculture will:

Present an international overview, especially with reference to smallholder farmers and medium-sized farms. He will give an overview of the workforce in agriculture – hired workers including migrant labour, self-employed farmers, women farmers and women waged workers, youth, child labor and how “decent work” applies to all these categories

Outline the broader international framework of labour standards and conditions in agriculture which still has the world’s largest workforce, often working under poor and exploitative conditions (i.e. not under decent work conditions)

Focus especially on the four pillars of “decent work” of the United Nations International Labour Organisation (ILO) – a tripartite body made of up of governments, employers’ associations, and workers’ associations (labor/trade unions):

Pillar 1: Standards and rights at work

Pilar 2: Employment creation and business development

Pillar 3: Social protection, including health care, education, etc.

Pillar 4: Social dialogue and agency

Show how the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is helping promote decent work in agriculture, including food security

Refer to other international instrument and processes relevant to decent work in agriculture – the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food; UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights etc.
Refer to the role of certification and auditing in the global food chain in promoting decent work
Lead a discussion on ways workshop participants can apply decent work to their projects to improve the US food system

This workshop is part of a research project on domestic fair trade for agriculture of the middle, organized by the University of Wisconsin – Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Small Farms program.

]]>WI School for Beginning Market Growershttp://www.cias.wisc.edu/wi-school-for-beginning-market-growers-2/
Mon, 07 Nov 2016 19:45:06 +0000http://www.cias.wisc.edu/?p=6961The Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers, a three-day workshop for anyone planning to start a fresh market vegetable farm, will be offered January 6-8, 2017 on the UW-Madison campus.

The program, now in its 20th year, serves new and beginning farmers seeking to grow and market fresh produce.

“We provide information and inspiration to help new growers make smart business decisions about production, marketing, pricing, capitalization and labor,” says school coordinator John Hendrickson, an outreach specialist with the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.

The program emphasizes organic production methods and direct marketing. Participants will learn about fertility management, greenhouse use, season extension, pest management and equipment needs, and will hear real-world perspectives on the financial and quality-of-life realities of running a small scale farm.

“Our course is largely taught by a team of experienced growers who provide a wealth of practical knowledge and insight into what it takes to operate a farm business,” says Hendrickson, who operates his own part-time organic vegetable farm. “A critical part of success is what happens before seeds touch the soil: planning, marketing and business management. This is where the experience of our grower-instructors can help people avoid costly mistakes.”

There are a limited number of $100 scholarships available to support participants interested in starting an organic farm.

The Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers is sponsored by the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. Registration for the program costs $325. Enrollment is limited, so early sign-ups are advised.

]]>National Domestic Fair Trade Conference: Fair Trade and Racial Justice in Our Agricultural Supply Chainhttp://www.cias.wisc.edu/national-domestic-fair-trade-conference-fair-trade-and-racial-justice-in-our-agricultural-supply-chain/
Wed, 02 Nov 2016 19:01:13 +0000http://www.cias.wisc.edu/?p=6956In an effort to connect stakeholders throughout the agricultural supply chain, the Domestic Fair Trade Association has hosted an annual meeting every year since the birth of the organization. This conference helps farmers, farmworkers, retailers, processors, distributors, manufacturers, advocates, and activists to find and share concrete solutions to improving our agricultural production system. Through this special event, the DFTA is creating the opportunity for organizations and businesses to link their vital work on the ground to the larger goal of a world with more fair trade.

The first day of the conference will center on tours highlighting domestic fair trade businesses and organizations in the Portland metro area. These tours will bring awareness to local businesses and organizations that are committed to domestic fair trade principles. Many of our past annual meeting attendees have found these tours to be instrumental in creating new connections and sparking fresh ideas of how to improve local, regional, and national food and agricultural systems.

The second day of the conference will include an inspiring keynote speech, 10 educational panels and workshops, and ample opportunities for networking. In the evening, we will host a party to commemorate the winner of our 1st Annual Domestic Fair Trade Award. The third day of the conference is only open to members of the DFTA.

On Thursday, December 8th, Peter Hurst will lead a day-long pre-conference workshop about labor in the international agricultural system. Peter is a long-term consultant for the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Space is limited in this exciting workshop, so don’t miss out and register today!

]]>Food and the Wisconsin Idea: Ojibwe Foodwayshttp://www.cias.wisc.edu/food-and-the-wisconsin-idea-ojibwe-foodways/
Wed, 02 Nov 2016 18:40:34 +0000http://www.cias.wisc.edu/?p=6953Join us on Thursday, November 10 for a wonderful conversation about traditional Ojibwe foodways with Sandra Gokee Nevala; Ojibwe woman, mother, and traditional hunter and harvester. Sandra will talk about her experiences and knowledge of traditional foods, the equipment and processes of acquiring food for her family, and treaty rights and other considerations. Joy Schelble, UWEX Tribal Extension Educator, will briefly share how her position enhances Bad River food sovereignty by connecting youth to teachers such as Sandra.

]]>Growing Midwestern Tree Nut Businesses: Five Case Studieshttp://www.cias.wisc.edu/growing-midwestern-tree-nut-businesses-five-case-studies/
Wed, 02 Nov 2016 18:25:43 +0000http://www.cias.wisc.edu/?p=6944The United States is feeding global and domestic appetites for tree nuts. Production has expanded rapidly in response to strong export demand and increased domestic utilization. In 2014, the value of U.S. tree nut production exceeded $10.4 billion. Growers in the Midwest are exploring and capitalizing on the potential of this perennial crop to increase farm income and diversify production. The Midwest is home to some successful nut businesses, and expanding tree nut production in this region can potentially increase the sustainability of agriculture and food systems.

In order to address some of the challenges of forming a business for aggregating, processing and marketing tree nuts, the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) conducted case study research of five midwestern tree nut businesses. The core activity of all of these businesses is to process a raw product—nuts in the shell—into a ready-to-eat food. The businesses in this study are based in Missouri, Michigan, Nebraska and Iowa, and the nuts they process include Chinese and hybrid chestnuts, black walnuts and pecans. Business structures include two cooperatives, a family corporation and two limited liability companies (LLCs).

]]>CIAS Harvest Dinner: The Future of Organic Food and Farminghttp://www.cias.wisc.edu/cias-harvest-dinner-the-future-of-organic-food-and-farming/
Mon, 17 Oct 2016 19:36:52 +0000http://www.cias.wisc.edu/?p=6893The UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) will host an evening celebrating Wisconsin’s organic agriculture at the Harvest Dinner on Saturday, November 5. This event will take place from 6-9pm at the UW-Madison University Club.

]]>Agroecology Barn Dancehttp://www.cias.wisc.edu/agroecology-barn-dance-2/
Tue, 04 Oct 2016 20:20:47 +0000http://www.cias.wisc.edu/?p=6889It’s that time of year again to show off your dancing skills and enjoy some great company! The 4th Annual Agroecology Barn Dance is here! This years dance will have live music, provided by the band Thirsty Roots with caller Steve Pike. Delicious vegetable stew, bread, and apple cider are included with your ticket price.

TICKETS PURCHASED AT DOOR
$20 Students | $25 General
$10 Kids 8 and Up | Kids under 8 Free

Because this is Wisconsin, plenty of beer will be available by donation and we will also be having a meat raffle. There will also be assorted desserts available by donation.

Camping is available on the farm for free for those who would like to spend the night and enjoy the Driftless scenery a bit longer. There will be no dogs allowed this year, as the cattle will be in the pasture.

Come join us and enjoy the beautiful Cates Family Farm! All proceeds benefit research by the students of UW-Madison’s Agroecology Program. We hope to see you Saturday, October 22nd!

]]>Join the 2016 Great Lakes Apple Crunch!http://www.cias.wisc.edu/6885-2/
Thu, 29 Sep 2016 14:45:34 +0000http://www.cias.wisc.edu/?p=6885Are you registered for the Great Lakes Great Apple Crunch on Thursday, October 13? We will be crunching, and we hope you will, too. Learn more and sign up at www.cias.wisc.edu/applecrunch! Help the region reach 1,000,000 Crunches on the big day.
]]>F.H. King Fall Harvest Festhttp://www.cias.wisc.edu/f-h-king-fall-harvest-fest/
Thu, 29 Sep 2016 14:41:48 +0000http://www.cias.wisc.edu/?p=6883Workday: 12-4pm | Music and Potluck: 4-7pm

Everyone is invited to the annual F.H. King Harvest Festival, their biggest event of the year! This is a time to gather at the F.H. King garden at Eagle Heights Community Gardens to celebrate the bounty of the summer season. The festival will include a massive potluck — F.H. King will provide food, and you are welcome to do the same. Please bring your own plate, utensils, and mug to use. This year’s musical guest will be John Stano, a connoisseur of Americana, blues and folk. See you there!

]]>Celebrate Wisconsin Conservation Farming with Gulf Fishermanhttp://www.cias.wisc.edu/celebrate-wisconsin-conservation-farming-with-gulf-fisherman/
Tue, 20 Sep 2016 15:21:57 +0000http://www.cias.wisc.edu/?p=6844Join Iowa County’s Farmer-Led Watershed Group for a conservation farm tour Followed by brats and seafood, served up by Wisconsin farmers and Gulf fishermen.

9:00 am Seven Seeds Farm, 5079 County Z, Spring Green

10:00 Stapleton Farm, 5952 County Rd Z, Spring Green

10:45 Cates Farm, 5992 County Rd T, Spring Green

Farm tour followed by lunch at Cates Farm

Come see and discuss these farmers’ practices – agroforestry, alley-cropping, cover crops, no till corn, no-till soybeans, stream crossings, organic corn, rotational grazing of hogs, water management diversions, and more. And meet Bayou fishermen who will share their stories about why Wisconsin farmers’ conservation practices matter to them and their Louisiana families. Who knows better the impact that Wisconsin conservation farmers have on water quality than fishermen downriver, who receive and depend on that water for their livelihoods?

This tour is hosted by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. For more information, visit the Michael Fields website. Registration is not required.